Cono Sur Bicycle Pinot Noir

Cono Sur Bicycle Pinot Noir is a 100% Pinot Noir from Chile's Central Valley, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2019 vintage earned Silver medals from both the International Wine & Spirit Competition and The Global Masters, reinforcing this label's reputation as one of Chile's most dependable value-tier reds.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Central Valley, Chile  |  Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir  |  Producer: Viña Cono Sur S.A.

Production & Heritage

Viña Cono Sur was founded in 1993 in Chile's Central Valley with a stated mission to produce New World wines rooted in sustainable viticulture. The Bicicleta line launched in 2012 as a tribute to vineyard workers who travel through the estate by bicycle daily — a practice embedded in the winery's ecological and environmental policies. The Pinot Noir sees a split aging regimen of six months: roughly 20% in oak barrels and 80% in stainless steel tanks, a ratio designed to preserve bright fruit character while adding just enough structure and subtle smoky complexity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh cherry and raspberry lead, followed by ripe strawberry and a light layer of dried leaves. A subtle smokiness emerges as the wine opens, adding depth to an otherwise fruit-forward nose.

Taste: The entry is dry and lively, with bright acidity carrying flavors of cranberry and sour cherry across the palate. Mid-palate, ripe red fruit sweetens slightly, joined by hints of ginger and earthy, rooty undertones. A touch of candied blackberry surfaces toward the peak, balanced by soft, fine-grained tannins.

Finish: Medium in length with a clean, dry exit. Lingering notes of dusty cherry and rhubarb fade into a faint earthy quality reminiscent of celery root.

How to Drink Bicycle Pinot Noir

Serve slightly below room temperature — around 14–16°C (57–61°F) — to let the red fruit aromatics shine without muting acidity. A light chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before pouring works well.

Pinot Noir Sangria: The cherry-raspberry profile provides a natural fruit base that needs minimal sweetening. Red Wine Spritzer: The wine's bright acidity and soft tannins hold up well when lengthened with sparkling water over ice. Kalimotxo: Its dry, fruity character mixes surprisingly well in this classic red wine and cola combination, where the Pinot's lighter body keeps the drink from becoming heavy.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where you want a reliable, food-friendly red without overthinking the pairing
• Introducing someone to Pinot Noir who typically drinks fruitier whites or rosés
• Casual gatherings and barbecues where an approachable, crowd-pleasing red is needed by the case
• Eco-conscious wine drinkers seeking sustainably produced bottles at an accessible price tier

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bicycle Pinot Noir taste like? It delivers bright, dry flavors of cherry, cranberry and raspberry, accented by subtle smoke and earthy undertones, with soft tannins and lively acidity throughout.

How does Bicycle Pinot Noir compare to Casillero del Diablo Pinot Noir? Both are value-tier Chilean Pinot Noirs, but Cono Sur's Bicycle tends to lean brighter and more fruit-forward with lighter tannins, while Casillero del Diablo from Concha y Toro often shows slightly more oak influence. The Bicycle bottling's partial stainless steel aging (80%) preserves more primary fruit character than fully oak-aged alternatives in the same price range.

Is Bicycle Pinot Noir good for beginners? Yes — its soft tannins, bright red fruit and approachable acidity make it an excellent entry point for anyone exploring Pinot Noir or transitioning from lighter wine styles.

Where is Bicycle Pinot Noir made? It is produced by Viña Cono Sur S.A. in Chile's Central Valley, one of the country's most prolific winemaking regions, where warm days and cool Pacific-influenced nights suit Pinot Noir's temperamental growing requirements.

What foods pair well with Bicycle Pinot Noir? Roast chicken or turkey, where the wine's acidity cuts through richness. Grilled salmon, which complements the smoky undertone. Mushroom risotto, echoing the earthy notes. Mild soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert, which balance the bright fruit. Charcuterie boards featuring prosciutto and dried fruit.

What sizes does Bicycle Pinot Noir come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Bicycle Pinot Noir worth the price? Positioned firmly in the entry-level value tier, Bicycle Pinot Noir consistently over-delivers for its price category, with an aggregate critic score of 86 points and international competition medals lending credibility that many wines at this level lack.

Why Bicycle Pinot Noir?

What separates this bottle from the crowded field of sub-premium Pinot Noir is the deliberate restraint in its oak program — the 20/80 barrel-to-tank split keeps varietal expression front and center rather than masking thin fruit behind wood. The Bicicleta label isn't just branding; it reflects a genuinely sustainable vineyard operation dating back to Cono Sur's founding in 1993. Silver medals at both the IWSC and The Global Masters confirm that independent judges rate it among the better wines at its price point. For everyday drinking, few Chilean Pinot Noirs deliver this balance of fruit clarity, structural lightness and environmental accountability.